BMW

BMW wanted to get in on the LA Auto Show festivities, so it dropped most of the details on the 2012 650i convertible without trotting the drop-top onto the show floor. We say “most” of the details, because pricing, options and EPA numbers are still MIA.

What we do know is the new Sixer’s sheetmetal is inspired by the 6 Series Coupe Concept from Paris and is the same model we spied back in October. If you’re up on BMW’s nonsensical numerological nomenclature the 650i is packing the automaker’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 sending 400 horsepower (peaking at 6,400 rpm) and 450 pound-feet of torque (from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm) through an eight speed automatic or six-speed manual. Naturally, power is sent to the rear wheels, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and the de rigueur electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

As expected, BMW has stuck with a traditional cloth top which can be opened in 19 seconds and closed in a claimed 24 seconds up to speeds of 25 mph. A new optional full-color heads-up display complete with 3D graphics and the new iDrive 10.2-inch screen are part of the package. Sales are set to begin this spring and full details are available in the press release below the fold.Read more…

Some may deride it as dressed-up plastic – and in some cases it is exactly that – but piano black lacquer trim is now regularly seen in luxury automobile interiors. BMW’s custom-appointment division, however, has taken things a step further.

Teaming up with Steinway & Sons, BMW Individual presents the 7 Series Composition. The unique trim level can be ordered in either an ebony or ivory finish with a special three-layer clearcoat. A gold pinstripe and special 20-inch wheels further distinguish the exterior, while the passenger compartment is decked out in merino leather (black or white to contrast, not match, the exterior), lambswool carpets, Alcantara headliner, special embroidery, and, of course, piano black trim.

Though the images in the gallery below show a hybrid model, BMW Individual will similarly equip any car in the 7 Series range for the big concerto. Details in the press release after the jump.

Judging from the whispers making their way around the interwebs, BMW may be interested in rekindling theX7 flame. The company was one of many corporations that took part in a global summit in Seoul to discuss how to rebalance global trade away from a U.S.-dependent market. But while many of the participants are keen to shift their attentions toward economies in China and Germany, BMW seemed to think that the U.S. would be back on its feet and buying sooner rather than later. The automaker even went so far as to say that it hadn’t completely nixed the idea of introducing another larger SUV to its North American lineup.

That means that the X7, a massive vehicle killed off in 2008, may not be completely off of the table. Throwing another SUV into the company’s portfolio wouldn’t seem to be in keeping with BMW’s new commitment to building ever more efficient vehicles, though you never know. Just because we like to think that we live in a post-SUV world doesn’t mean American buyers don’t love their massive machines.

Sure, BMW is going to build a small, urban electric car – the Megacity – in a few years, but we’re pretty sure there are a lot of Bimmer drivers who won’t much care for that little thing, no matter what the powertrain. For them, BMW has announced a second treat today: the Vision Efficient Dynamics (VED) concept will indeedmake the jump to production form.

We first saw the VED a little over a year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 and BMW says the concept was met with an “overwhelming response.” Little surprise, then, that BMW was interested in building this for the people – well, people who can afford the $200,000, give or take, the car will likely cost when it come to market in a few years. Since the VED contained a fair bit of “completely or virtually production-ready components,” BMW is confidently giving out media test drives at the Leipzig trade fair center of a road-ready technology showcase vehicle based on the VED.Read more…

When we think of the best jobs on earth, professions like Formula 1 driver come to mind. Taxi driver doesn’t usually come to mind for most, but hot-footed Sabine Schmitz drives a different kind of cab. The speed-loving young lady drives a BMW M5 around the Nürburgring, and not just for fun – she gets paid to drive adrenaline junkies around the ‘Ring at high speeds, and she’s so good at what she does that she’s earned the nickname “Queen of the Nürburgring.” Schmitz’s accomplishments don’t end with her taxi job, either – she’s also won 45 races at the Nordschleife, or 45 more races than any of us.

BMW featured Schmitz in it’s Unscripted series, “a series about people, talking about their life, passion and joy with the brand BMW.” Hit the jump to watch Schmitz ply her trade on the world’s most famous track, and try not to get jealous of one of the world’s best jobs. Her office does, after all, take the size and shape of a BMW M5, and that certainly can’t suck.